From “Chunk” to Powerhouse Attorney: The Unbelievable Journey of Jeff Cohen
If you grew up in the ’80s, you remember him instantly, the Hawaiian shirt, the infectious laugh, the legendary Truffle Shuffle.
Chunk from The Goonies wasn’t just a character… he was a childhood memory for millions.
But few people know the real story behind the boy who played him, and how he transformed one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable child roles into an equally unforgettable adult career.
A Childhood Star with Real-Life Struggles
Jeff Cohen — born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon in 1974, grew up in Los Angeles. After his parents separated, he took his mother’s maiden name, Cohen, for his stage identity.
By the early ’80s, he was appearing on shows like Child’s Play and Body Language.
Then came 1985… and everything changed.
The Goonies: A Breakout Role with a Secret
During filming, Cohen was battling chickenpox, but hid it for fear of losing the role. If you look closely in the Truffle Shuffle scene, fans say you can even spot it.
Director Richard Donner later said Jeff’s charm came from being “completely himself,” and audiences agreed. Chunk became one of the most beloved characters of the decade.
But Hollywood had other plans.
“Acting Gave Me Up”
As Jeff hit puberty, the roles stopped coming.
“I transformed from Chunk to hunk, and I couldn’t get cast anymore,” he once joked.
But behind the humor was heartbreak:
“I didn’t give up acting. Acting gave me up.”
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Instead of spiraling like so many child actors of that era, Jeff pivoted — and rewrote his entire life.
A New Beginning at Berkeley
At UC Berkeley, Cohen joined the football team, weathered brutal hazing, and even became the school’s mic man. Director Richard Donner remained a mentor — and in an extraordinary act of kindness, paid for Jeff’s college education.
“Kid, you need to know the business,” Donner told him — advice that changed everything.
Jeff went on to earn a business degree at Berkeley, a law degree at UCLA, and entered entertainment law.
From Chunk… to Hollywood Deal-Maker
Today, Jeff Cohen is one of Hollywood’s most respected attorneys.
He co-founded Cohen & Gardner LLP, appeared in Variety’s Dealmakers list, and was named one of Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen Executives.
His office walls?
Covered in memories — including a signed poster from Steven Spielberg:
“To Jeff (Chunk) Cohen — you are my favorite Goonie.”
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And in a beautiful full-circle moment, Cohen negotiated the contract for his Goonies co-star Ke Huy Quan for Everything Everywhere All at Once — a role that won Quan an Academy Award.
On stage, Quan thanked him:
“My Goonies brother for life.”
A Rare Hollywood Success Story
Now in his 50s, Cohen laughs about his past, embraces who he was, and celebrates who he is today:
“I’m very proud that ten-year-old me made such an impact.”
Unlike many child stars, he didn’t fall through Hollywood’s cracks.
He climbed out of them — smarter, stronger, and still beloved.
From the Truffle Shuffle to high-stakes Hollywood deals, Jeff Cohen’s story is proof that success doesn’t end with childhood fame. Sometimes, it begins there.
